Synthesis of BiVO4-g-C3N4 composite photocatalyst with improved visible light-induced photocatalytic activity

Abstract

The novel visible light-induced carbon nitride (g-C3N4) and BiVO4 composite photocatalysts were obtained through a simple mixing-calcination method. The physical and photophysical properties of the BiVO4-g-C3N4 composites were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, UV-vis diffuse reflection spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), photoluminescent (PL) spectroscopy, and BET surface area measurements. Photocatalytic oxidation ability of the prepared samples was examined by studying the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) as a target pollutant under visible-light irradiation. The composite photocatalysts exhibited an enhanced photocatalytic performance in degrading RhB. The optimal g-C3N4 content of the composite photocatalysts was determined for the photodegradation activity. The improved photocatalytic activity of the as-prepared composite photocatalyst may be attributed to the enhancement of photo-generated electron-hole separation at the interface.